Hair thinning and fall affects millions of women across the world. But while it might be a common issue, this does not make it any less distressing for the individual concerned. Hair loss is caused by numerous factors. These include hormonal imbalances, illness, stress, poor nutrition, and genetics. There are some fantastic supplements and topicals that can help you to combat hair fall, but did you know that yoga can help hair loss too? When you think of yoga, you might picture groups of zen people twisting into pretzel-like poses! But the truth is that the ancient practice can help combat many of the factors that contribute to hair thinning and fall. Here’s the lowdown on yoga for hair loss.
Yoga For Hair Loss: Lowering Stress Levels
The link between stress and hair fall is irrefutable. High stress levels play havoc with hormonal balance. They can also interrupt the hair growth cycle. Yoga is renowned for its ability to relieve stress, and the benefits have been recognised in many scientific studies. By practising key yoga techniques such as asanas (postures), deep breathing and meditation, stress can be managed very effectively. When stress is alleviated, it is less likely that conditions such as telogen effluvium, where the hair cycle is disrupted (leading to hair loss) will be experienced.
Better Sleep
Good sleep is crucial for maintaining optimum hair health. When we sleep, the body undergoes regenerative processes – cell repair, protein synthesis and tissue growth amongst others. By performing yoga practices regularly (particularly “restorative” poses and breathing exercises), you lessen stress, disperse tensions, and calm the mind. These are all major players in sleep disorders. When you sleep well, you encourage the body to rest, repair, and regenerate. And this includes the hair follicles. A good night’s sleep works wonders for your overall well-being!
Yoga For Hair Loss: Improving Circulation
By combining gentle stretches, movement and controlled breathing, yoga helps improve the circulation. Various yoga postures stretch, twist and compress your limbs. This helps stimulate blood flow. Meanwhile, yoga’s relentless focus on deep, correct breathing optimizes the delivery of oxygen to cells and tissues throughout the body. Through the process, vital organs, muscles, and the skin are nourished. For your scalp, this is vital. This is because the hair follicles then receive the optimum supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Digestion And Nutrient Absorption
Yoga helps digestive health in various ways. Among them; stress reduction, increased circulation and even by directly stimulating the gastrointestinal tract with specific yoga poses. Regular practice of these asanas is held to alleviate common problems such as constipation and bloating. Recent studies on irritable bowel syndrome have also indicated that yoga can help improve symptoms too. When your digestion system works better, the absorption of key vitamins, minerals and nutrients is optimised. Once more, great news for hair health.
Some claim that yoga promotes detoxification with certain twisting poses. These work to wring out toxins from internal organs. But there’s no scientific evidence behind the claim. However, it doesn’t lessen the overall validity of yoga as a means to improve digestive health.
Yoga For Hair Loss – Key Poses And Exercises
So, now we know that yoga for hair loss can help combat many contributors to poor hair health, here are some key asanas and exercises you should be using.
Stressbusters
One of the simplest yet most powerful stress-busting techniques in yoga are breathing exercises. Known as pranayama, they involve controlled, conscious breathing. When you focus on breathing deeply and slowly, you calm your mind, lessen stress hormones and bring about a feeling of inner peace.
Yoga also offers a wide range of asanas that can gently stretch and release tension from muscle groups. Child’s Pose and Savasana are just two of them!
Tackling Sleeplessness
Incorporating restorative yoga poses into your bedtime routine can help prepare your mind and body for restful sleep. Try a Sleeping Pigeon Pose (this one is really good at opening out your lower back and hips if you feel tight). A Supported Bridge asana also works very well.
Circulatory Boosters
Combining movement, stretching and deep breathing will all enhance the circulation. Try a Mountain Pose, Cobra Pose or the famous Downward-Facing Dog.
Improving Digestion
There are again many asanas that aid digestion and promote the best gastrointestinal health. The Cat Pose will stimulate the digestive system (also a great stretch for a tight spine). Meanwhile, the famous Wind-Relieving Pose does exactly what it says on the tin!
Yoga For Hair Loss: Final Thoughts
Making yoga part of your daily routine can be a powerful ally in efforts to fight hair issues. It’s not a standalone solution, however, its holistic approach to health makes it easy to complement other treatments. By pairing yoga for hair loss with fantastic hair supplements like our Hair Gain Capsules and Gummies, and amazing topicals such as our Hair Mask and Scalp Foam, you will be giving your scalp and hair the support they need to reach tip-top condition.
Yoga is suitable for all ages and fitness levels – but remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen. Then roll out your yoga mat and continue your journey toward healthier, thicker, and stronger hair.
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